This is a Model 1902 canteen made in 1903 by the Rock Island Arsenal. This model canteen was an attempt to modify the Civil War era 1858 canteen issued to Union soldiers. These smooth side and "bullseye" canteens were used during the Civil War, Indian Wars and through the Spanish American War. Attempts to improve these civil War canteens resulted in the Model 1878 modification, removing the bottom sling guide of the exiting Model 1858's. Triangular iron wire loops were added to the upper guides and a black one inch leather sling 56" in length was used with the Model 1878. These canteens had the body recovered in Petersham cloth for insulation, with an outer cover made of drab cotton canvas. In 1902 the Model 1878 was modified by adding a convex depression on the back side of the body in order to achieve a better fit for the wearer. The leather sling was replaced by a small V-shaped sling made of drab cotton web with a hook on each end to attach to the canteen and a spring clip in the center to be used with 1903 and 1907 cartridge belts. This Model 1902 canteen is in very good condition but still shows field use. The cotton canvas cover shows staining to the front just under the spout, and along the edges. Stenciled in black 1 1/2" letters in the center are the letters U.S. Below the US emblem the branch insignia of cavalry has been stenciled, along with then letter D centered under the sabers. Under the letter D in 1/4" black stenciled lettering is R.I.A. and the date of 1903. The stitching of the cover is strong and unbroken around the 7 3/4" diameter canteen. On the back cover a hand written name in black appears to be "EDMUD JENSEN'. There is other lettering above the name but it is too faded to make out. The two triangular iron hooks are still present. The spout of the canteen shows a small amount of damage, but the stopper, pull, chain and brass retainer are still present. What makes this canteen unusual is the fact that both sides of the canteen are convex. Only the back side was supposed to, while the front remained rounded. It is obviously a factory mistake, or could it be a trials canteen. Either way, this is an excellent example of one of the last circular canteens to be used by the military. If you are a canteen collector this might be your missing link!

Item # AA1300

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